Arkansas Tech running back Tracey Stiger was named to the Don Hansen's Football Gazette 2006 Division II Preseason All-America team released Monday.

Stiger, a 5-9, 180-pound sophomore from Russellville, made the team as a return specialist. He is one of just nine sophomores to make the 148-player roster, which encompasses all four geographic regions of NCAA Division II.

During his redshirt freshman season in 2005, Stiger ranked eighth nationally in punt returns with a 15.4-yard average and averaged 19.8 yards per kickoff return.

He averaged 113.1 all-purpose yards per game in 2005 and was Tech's second-leading rusher with 82 carries for 368 yards and six touchdowns. He also caught five passes for 53 yards and one touchdown.

Wonder Boys football coach and athletic director Steve Mullins said Stiger was nominated for the team through Tech's Sports Information Department.

"I'm excited for Tracy, and I appreciate (Tech sports information director) Ben Greenberg for nominating him," Mullins said. "Hopefully, by the end of the season, (Stiger) can fulfill the preseason expectations we have for him."

When asked if Stiger would continue his special teams role this season, Mullins said, "You bet, punt returns especially."

Stiger is one of 18 Gulf South Conference representatives on this year's team. North Alabama led all GSC schools with five selections: Receiver / return specialist Anthony Merritt, offensive guard JoJo Bates, defensive end Tim Hunt, linebacker Donald Tharpe and kicker Yuta Fukuda.

Delta State (Miss.) and Southern Arkansas had three selections each. Arkansas-Monticello had two, while Tech, Henderson State, Harding, West Georgia and Ouachita Baptist had one each.